Boat Test: 2024 EdgeWater 208CC Watchman

The 208CC Watchman boasts a stable, economical ride. Courtesy EdgeWater Boats Visit EdgeWater Build Your EdgeWater Find an EdgeWater Dealer Overview

The 208CC was one of EdgeWater’s first and most successful center-consoles. Still popular and one of the strongest fishing boats in its class, EdgeWater’s designers decided it was time to update it to modern expectations with cutting-edge construction ­techniques, seriously ­competitive fishing features, and family ­cruising comforts previously not present or valued with the ­original design. The new model is called the 208CC Watchman, and it boasts all-composite construction, a fiberglass stringer system and transom, and a foam-filled unsinkable design. The standard black canvas T-top with textured black powder-­coated ­superstructure is matched to the leaning post, the finish more durable than paint. It’s this look—plus the black dash plate large enough for a 12-inch display and a matching black wheel that pays homage to the law enforcement and lighthouse keepers who were called “the Watchmen”—that tops off the aggressive dash.

The dash plate is large enough for a 12-inch display. Courtesy EdgeWater Boats Interior and Accessories

In the Watchman, bold design is balanced with comforts, such as the thickly padded front seats and the thickly padded helm seating with a pullout cooler beneath. The fold-down transom seat is an unexpected treat in a boat this size. Even the coaming pads feature accented vinyl. For more fun, the standard  JL Audio system features gray-accented speakers.

Still, fishing assumes top priority on this boat. A large livewell, eight rocket launchers between the leaning post and T-top, and four gunwale rod holders secure a full ­quiver of sticks. A large rigging station pops out of the leaning bar. EdgeWater has even ­designed the Watchman to carry an optional Power-Pole ($3,412). T-top spreader lights and cockpit courtesy lighting are standard.

Read Next: EdgeWater 325CC

Thickly padded front seats maximize comfort. Courtesy EdgeWater Boats Even the coaming pads feature accented vinyl. Courtesy EdgeWater Boats Engine

We tested the 208CC on the inland waters in a windy chop that exercised the hull without shaking us up. We liked that the performance from Yamaha’s 200 hp outboard (a $12,531 upgrade brings electronic throttle, shift and steering) gave a rewarding, economical 3.6 mpg at 3,500 rpm.

The fold-down transom seat is an unexpected treat in a boat this size. Courtesy EdgeWater Boats

The 208CC is ideal for big bays, inland striper fishing, and for salmon trolling in the Great Lakes. It’s ready to fish, beachcomb, or cruise with family and friends.

The 208CC Watchman was designed to to carry an optional Power-Pole. Courtesy EdgeWater Boats How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha Inline Four 200 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/SWS II 14.25″ x 17″ stainless-steel 3-blade
• Gear Ratio: 1.86:1 Fuel Load: 28 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.

High Points

• Standard features include T-top, raw and fresh water, battery switch, JL ­stereo, and livewell—all are usually options on the competition.
• With so many features for anglers, we were surprised to see so much ­c­omfortable seating for crew.
• An electronics box in the T-top is ­standard, and most 20-foot center-­consoles can’t fit a foldout transom seat like the one in the 208CC.

Low Points

• Bow seating is abbreviated to reserve more deck space for fishing.
• The EdgeWater’s trailer is optional.

Toughest Competitor

Robalo’s 202 Explorer takes aim with a Yamaha VF200XB and a length and beam nearly identical. Priced with hydraulic steering—not digital—a T-top, 9-inch Simrad display and custom ­trailer, it hits the register at under $80,000 plus tax. Raw and fresh water and a battery switch are among options not included.

Pricing and Specs Price:$85,156 (base with test power, less Power-Pole and Garmin 94 USV HD and transducer)LOA:20’6″Beam:8’6″Draft (max):1’5″ (engines up)Displacement (approx.):3,640 lb.Transom Deadrise:20 degreesBridge Clearance:8’6″Fuel Capacity:87 gal.Max Horsepower:200Available Power:Yamaha outboards Speed, Efficiency, Operation EdgeWater 208CC Watchman Certified Test Results Boating Magazine Contact EdgeWater

EdgeWater – Edgewater, Florida; ewboats.com

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